Johnny Herbert feels that by staying with Mercedes rather than pursuing a Ferrari seat, Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of achieving a record-breaking eighth World Championship are over.
While Hamilton and Mercedes worked out the details of a new deal, numerous prominent experts pushed the Briton to switch to Ferrari.
That, according to Eddie Jordan, would be a match made in heaven, while moving in 2024 would allow the Briton ample time to build Ferrari into the squad he desires in order to pursue number eight.
Instead, Hamilton signed a new $50 million Mercedes contract that will keep him with the Brackley team until the end of the 2025 season.
It’s also one that Herbert believes has ended his chances of capturing an eighth World Championship.
“He may be aware of what might happen in the future with Mercedes and has decided that is where his future lies,” he told the Mirror.
“However, I would have liked to have seen him finish his career in a Ferrari.” I truly believe he was the correct persona and a fantastic fit for them.
“[However], if he is happy where he is, that is the best mental place for him to be.” You have to believe in yourself, and Lewis does, which is why he resigned.”
“Based on the last couple of years, I don’t see Lewis getting an eighth title,” the three-time grand prix winner added.
“The car has improved since they abandoned the original concept, but they are only as good as the gap behind Red Bull.” They are not ahead of the competition.
“Will they be able to turn it around?” I’m not sure. I haven’t seen any of those encouraging indicators. They’ve made some progress, but not much. The automobile will not win a race.”
While Hamilton has already stated that 2025 may not be his final season in the sport, Herbert believes he will never join Red Bull because he will not race with Max Verstappen.
Although fans would like to see the two in equal machinery, Herbert believes it would be impossible.
“I don’t think Max and Lewis will work as a team,” Motorsport.com quotes Grosvenor Sport as saying. “There comes a time in F1 when the baton is passed on to the next driver, in this case Max.”
“However, Lewis is extremely talented and capable of defeating Max.” You must be in the proper position and working with the right team.
“Max is currently in a similar scenario with Sergio Perez at Red Bull. This held true for Michael Schumacher and me, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, and Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard. There is usually one driver who has the upper hand. If you are aware of this, it is critical to make the most of them. History demonstrates this.
“It is incredibly rare to have two of the top drivers in a squad. In a commanding position, for example, it was extremely tough to handle Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. Gerhard Berger once told me that he didn’t want to deal with Michael since he saw how Flavio Briatore worked with him.”
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